To link to the entire object, paste this link in email, IM or documentTo embed the entire object, paste this HTML in websiteTo link to this page, paste this link in email, IM or documentTo embed this page, paste this HTML in website

Easley, Michael. Press Release, 2005-03-22, Gov. Easley Announces Hazard Mitigation Projects Could Total $26 Million In Western North Carolina

Michael F. Easley
Governor
State of North Carolina
Office of the Governor
Governor's Press Office
State Capitol, Raleigh, NC 27603-8001
(919) 733-5612 - Toll Free 1-800-662-7005
FAX (919) 733-5166
For Release: IMMEDIATE Contact: Lauren Mims
Date: March 22, 2005 Phone: 919/733-5612
GOV. EASLEY ANNOUNCES HAZARD MITIGATION PROJECTS COULD TOTAL
$26 MILLION IN WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA
RALEIGH – Gov. Mike Easley announced today that nine western counties have applied for more than $26 million in state and federal hazard mitigation grant assistance following tropical storms Frances and Ivan. Hazard mitigation is a long-term recovery program that prevents damage from future disasters.
“Mitigation programs are extremely successful in avoiding repeat damage and loss,” Easley said. “By moving homes and businesses out of the floodplain or elevating structures where possible, we keep people and their property from harm’s way. This also saves taxpayer money that would have been needed to make repairs to the same structures again.”
The counties of Avery, Buncombe, Caldwell, Haywood, Mecklenburg, Mitchell, Rutherford, Watauga and Wilkes have submitted applications for 28 projects to the state and Federal Emergency Management Agency on behalf of their citizens for hazard mitigation projects. Those projects include the elevation of homes, property buyouts, new stormwater drainage systems and one bridge removal. The state’s highest priority is the acquisition and demolition, or elevation of property, that is the primary residence of the owner.
“Hazard mitigation has already saved North Carolinians millions of dollars,” said Easley. “Belhaven, for instance, was battered by severe storms and hurricanes over several years causing tens of millions of dollars worth of damages. Property owners who used HMGP funds to elevate their homes or businesses had minimal or no flood damage when Hurricane Isabel struck in 2003, saving the community millions of dollars.”
Following tropical storms Frances and Ivan, the state formally declared its intent to participate in HMGP and established priorities and state-specific eligibility criteria. Eligibility for HMGP funding is limited to state and local governments, certain private nonprofit organizations and Indian tribes. These organizations must apply to the state for HMGP project funding on behalf of their citizens.
In the aftermath of Frances and Ivan, local jurisdictions met a Feb. 11 deadline for submitting to the state their hazard mitigation applications. The Hazard Mitigation Section of the N.C. Division of Emergency Management has until March 14 to review the applications and determine the benefit cost

Michael F. Easley
Governor
State of North Carolina
Office of the Governor
Governor's Press Office
State Capitol, Raleigh, NC 27603-8001
(919) 733-5612 - Toll Free 1-800-662-7005
FAX (919) 733-5166
For Release: IMMEDIATE Contact: Lauren Mims
Date: March 22, 2005 Phone: 919/733-5612
GOV. EASLEY ANNOUNCES HAZARD MITIGATION PROJECTS COULD TOTAL
$26 MILLION IN WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA
RALEIGH – Gov. Mike Easley announced today that nine western counties have applied for more than $26 million in state and federal hazard mitigation grant assistance following tropical storms Frances and Ivan. Hazard mitigation is a long-term recovery program that prevents damage from future disasters.
“Mitigation programs are extremely successful in avoiding repeat damage and loss,” Easley said. “By moving homes and businesses out of the floodplain or elevating structures where possible, we keep people and their property from harm’s way. This also saves taxpayer money that would have been needed to make repairs to the same structures again.”
The counties of Avery, Buncombe, Caldwell, Haywood, Mecklenburg, Mitchell, Rutherford, Watauga and Wilkes have submitted applications for 28 projects to the state and Federal Emergency Management Agency on behalf of their citizens for hazard mitigation projects. Those projects include the elevation of homes, property buyouts, new stormwater drainage systems and one bridge removal. The state’s highest priority is the acquisition and demolition, or elevation of property, that is the primary residence of the owner.
“Hazard mitigation has already saved North Carolinians millions of dollars,” said Easley. “Belhaven, for instance, was battered by severe storms and hurricanes over several years causing tens of millions of dollars worth of damages. Property owners who used HMGP funds to elevate their homes or businesses had minimal or no flood damage when Hurricane Isabel struck in 2003, saving the community millions of dollars.”
Following tropical storms Frances and Ivan, the state formally declared its intent to participate in HMGP and established priorities and state-specific eligibility criteria. Eligibility for HMGP funding is limited to state and local governments, certain private nonprofit organizations and Indian tribes. These organizations must apply to the state for HMGP project funding on behalf of their citizens.
In the aftermath of Frances and Ivan, local jurisdictions met a Feb. 11 deadline for submitting to the state their hazard mitigation applications. The Hazard Mitigation Section of the N.C. Division of Emergency Management has until March 14 to review the applications and determine the benefit cost